Perspective Access

In this issue of Perspective we take a look at what it means to have access. We talk with designers about how to provide deeper access to design education at the K-12 level, and accessible design for those with impaired vision or mobility.

Pre/Post: Zorba

Architecture and design firm sgnhA turns an historic Vietnamese shophouse into a cinematic office space for creatives. The space occupies the upper floor of a two-story shophouse on Nguyễn Công Trứ Street, one of District 1’s oldest and busiest arteries and is a conceptual bridge between Zorba’s building, and its brand. Read more

A cozy indoor space featuring colorful chairs and tables, surrounded by plants and a large window, creating a welcoming atmosphere. — Zorba's District 1, Hồ Chí Minh City, Vietnam office. Image courtesy of sgnhA and by Duong Gia Hieu

A New Vision

A look at what it means to design for visually impaired people. We speak with designers about the projects, the products, and where we can make progress in nuanced design solutions for the range of visual impairments that can affect people. Read more

A woman prepares food in a modern kitchen while a man walks towards a door, showcasing sleek furnishings and stylish decor in the home. — Interior design for the visually impaired. Photo by Stefano Calgaro

Talk, Talk: Delineating Diversity

How can the design industry truly become more diverse and inclusive? For a snapshot of how the topic has evolved among employees, clients, and within the design community, we spoke with Gabrielle Bullock, IIDA, FAIA, NOMAC, principal and director of global diversity at Perkins and Will, Los Angeles; and Angie Lee, IIDA, AIA, partner and design director of interiors, FXCollaborative Architects, New York. Read more

Asia Society Office 01 Courtesy of fxcollaborative

Scratch Pad

What to read, watch and browse this month—from an art jewelry showcase to a Kara Walker monograph, a documentary spanning two centuries of black art, and more to pique your creative interests. Read more

Kara Walker A Black Hole is Everything a Star Longs to Be. Photo by Julien Gremaud courtesy of JRP|Editions

Generation Next

The design community has the power—and responsibility—to usher in a workforce as ethnically and racially diverse as the world it’s designing for. We talk to the people and look at the programs diversifying the design industry by providing exposure and support to students at the K-12 level. Read more

A diverse group of children sits at tables in a classroom, engaged in activities while an adult facilitates discussion and learning.

Access Code

Instead of just ticking a box, designers are focused on building accessibility into the DNA of a space. Designers Karen Braitmayer, Ed Warner, and Miriam Van der Lubbe weigh in how interior designers play an invaluable role in accessible design. Read more

A group of four people interacts in a bright, modern hallway, with benches on one side and displays lining the walls.

High 5

Check out 5 items building buzz in the design world: pod offices, the state of women in the workplace, the whitest white, carbon-negative furniture, and bioplastic PPE. Read more